News for the Heart of the Catskills

NEW YORK STATE (May 31, 2015) – Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) is has announced that the NY Senate has passed Senate Bill S.1634, which he sponsored.

The bill would amend the vehicle and traffic law by increasing the penalties for passing a stopped school bus.

Current law provides that an individual convicted two or more times of speeding in a construction zone be subject to 60 days suspension of his or her driver’s license.

However, passing a stopped school bus two or more times does not carry the same penalty. This legislation would remedy that inconsistency.

“There is no doubt that passing a stopped school bus possesses as much, if not more, risk to life and limb as speeding in a construction zone,” said Bonacic. “This legislation would help ensure that those individuals who decide to intentionally drive past a stopped school bus will be held properly accountable for their actions.”